Horse Rich, Dirt Poor Forum Scheduled for This Wednesday

Join us this Wednesday for the 'Horse Rich, Dirt Poor' forum, where experts will discuss the impact of wild horse populations on Nevada's public lands. This event promises to bring together scientists, sportsmen, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts to explore a bill aimed at managing these populations effectively.

Terri Russell, KOLO TV

October 21, 2019

RENO, NV (KOLO) The forum titled “Horse Rich, Dirt Poor” is scheduled for this Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 PM. It promises to feature scientists, sportsmen, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts who believe a bill currently under consideration in Washington offers a viable solution for managing wild horse populations and protecting Nevada’s public lands.

“Well, it is what it would take to keep those populations down to a manageable number,” says Rebekah Stetson, the event organizer.

The plan involves removing up to 75% of the wild horses from the range and placing them in government-managed facilities. Mares remaining on the range would be administered birth control.

Stetson argues that this move is necessary due to the damage horses are causing to wild lands, with no relief in sight.

“The three things that plague public lands in Nevada the most are wild land fire, invasive species like cheat grass, and wild or feral horses and maybe burros also,” says Stetson.

The forum at the Nevada Museum of Art will discuss wild horses' impact on rangeland and the implications of the proposed bill on the herds.

Stetson hopes the discussion will inform the public about the bill's benefits, involving scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and ranchers.

She aims to avoid emotional debates, encouraging the audience to gather enough information to contact congressional leaders about the measure moving through Washington.

“All the advocates across the country, and there are millions of us, were not consulted,” says Deniz Bolbol with the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates.

Bolbol claims that such low population levels could lead to inbreeding, decimating the herds. She also warns that the horses could become subject to annual budgets and political decisions, with no guarantee against slaughter as a cost-cutting measure.

“The failed, the proven failed, roundup, remove and warehouse system that has been going on for the last couple of decades. But it is going to expand it, and exacerbate it,” says Bolbol.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) will hold a press conference before the event at the Nevada Museum of Art. Their event takes place at the Lake Mansion at 4:00 PM, where they claim the propaganda file, “Horse Rich, Dirt Poor,” and the subsequent forum are backed by hunting interests.

If you would like more information on the Nevada Museum of Art event, visit Hot Topics.

Originally posted by KOLO TV